Legendary singer Ahmed Rushdi’s 32nd death anniversary today

Also known as Pakistan’s first ever pop musician, Ahmed Rushdi was quite a celebrated singer back in the day.

Owing to his exceptional skills as a singer and melodious voice, Rushdi dominated Pakistani films with his music for an impressive period of three decades. He was unrivaled and unparalleled, and remains to this day, in drafting songs that were jolly and comedy-themed songs. He also has the distinction of crooning an English song for the first time in a Pakistani movie.

Ahmed Rushdi began his journey to stardom from Radio Pakistan, Karachi. His song Bunder Road Se Kaemari became an instant hit with people all over Pakistan, who fell in love with his voice. Rushdi grew up in a conservative family where his father was the teacher of languages Persian and Arabic. Since childhood, singing was his passion and favorite hobby.

Ahmed Rushdi did not acquire his skills through any teacher or enrolled in a musical school. His talents were God-gifted and natural to the core. Even famous Indian playback singer Kishor Kumar was an admirer of Ahmed Rushdi and even sang some of his songs in England.

Further recognizing his notable achievements, it goes without saying that Ahmed Rushdi received a number of awards. He was awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz by General Pervez Musharraf’s government, twenty years after he had passed away. Rushdi not only sang, but also acted in some movies of his time. He sang the most number of songs, 5000 in total. Rushdi’s songs with Lollywood’s chocolate hero Wahid Murad were adorned to no end, by music and film enthusiasts.

The Pakistani King of music and pop, breathed his last on 11th April 1983, in Karachi. He was also laid to rest in the same city, after suffering a heat attack.

Ahmed Rushdi is included in those artists around the world who continue to be popular and enjoy a huge fan base even after their death. Some of his popular songs include Akele Na Jaana, Bohot Yaad Aenge Vo Din, Tumhe Kese Bata Doon and Ko Ko Koreena.